Traded in for a 2018 Enclave and after 4 months I couldn't be more pleased with the vehicle. Getting fantastic fuel economy and the ride is amazing. Great job Buick!
Never thought Buick was a consideration but after test driving a Cadillac XT5, I am converted. The Enclave 1SN AWD drove so much better with all the features that the Cadillac has. It is currently on my top 3 to consider when my lease end happens soon. Buick should be proud, the Enclave is on same list as the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.
While I'm not in the market for a vehicle of this type and am not a big fan of GM products, this is hands down the best looking crossover on the market. While it looks very good in photos, it is absolutely stunning to look at in person. Well done, GM.
I agree Alex. Not only the best looking crossover they ever made, but one of the better looking crossovers out there IMO. Its not overdone, or underdone. Its elegant without being overwhelming.
I really appreciate your reviews Alex!!! This Buick.... Not a nameplate I'd ever consider before, ticks most of my wants the way you presented! Thanks and great review 👍
In a 235/55R22 tire, the 235 is the tread width in mm. The 55 is the percentage of 235 to get your sidewall height (235 x .55 = 129.25). That gives you a 129.25mm sidewall height (~5 inches). And the 22 is your wheel diameter in inches. R means radial.
I usually am not a fan of Buick. That said, they did an outstanding job. They nailed a niche in this segment by being, powerful, roomy, and tech heavy. The MDX was my number one but the lack of any tech gives nod to the enclave.
And you can deactivate the engine stop by putting the shift in low gear and paddle shift the gears to 9th gear in the display in the lower right hand corner. The transmission will shift through the gears the same as if it were in drive.
Good review as usual. I see previous gen everywhere and I believe this gen will do just as well if not better; I’d get one. I like the exterior and interior design and features. I do wish a 2nd row bench was available on this SUV, as I like its design language better than the Chevy Traverse in which you can get 2nd row bench but on on lower trim level.
There are a few companies that are making a defeat for the auto start/stop. I’m looking at getting an Enclave. If I do, I know a company that makes a wiring harness that cuts the signal off for the auto start/stop, and it can be removed without a hitch. Just plug and play.
I test drove those acura MDX and I just never like the way they all ran. The top end version feels super heavy and sluggish when you give it throttle in the MDX. And then low tier model is just slow and cramped in the 3rd row seat. I just never like the look of the 2018 line-up model of the MDX. It just look funky and disproportion. I hate feeling cramped inside the cabin and not a whole lot of room throughout the interior. The bodystyle is just not for me. I found my holy grail suv in the 2018 Traverse AWD LT. It's got a much nicer looking interior, very very roomy throughout the interior. The featured layout is all in the right place and looks very premium. There's just nothing that looks cheap or out of place when I look at it. The driving experience feels very comfy. It's got more HP than all the rest of the other competitor in the 2018 segment. Cargo space is pleasantly more than any of the other competitor. The bodystyle just looks great overall from every angle. Sporty and sleek is how I see it when I look at the Traverse.
I don’t understand GM’s logic with safety and driver features. Most every manufacturer is going with Adaptive cruise as standard or optional on all trims. Why do I have to spend 50k plus to get they safety tech I feel should be standard or optional at this point?
Jonathan Jackson Most of those system do not work consistently or else the insurance industry would be giving us a break on our premiums. Check out Motor Trend longterm review of CX-5 that brings them to a dead stop in traffic and almost rear ended. Many youtube videos of Corolla and Highlander with emergency breaking not work and thrm hitting the test object.
Norm T, you are missing the point. All safety systems tell you this technology doesn’t take away from your driver responsibilities and just states it may help prevent them from happening
Great review, interesting for me to see a car from a brand which will never come to my country. Tough audience. When I read the comments, a lot of people don't like this car, whereas I'm really impressed. Even the fit and finish looked very good, something American cars are not always ...ahem..noted for. Not being able to disengage stop/start is a huge mistake. If people want to lose a little fuel economy for the sake of convenience, then they should have that choice.
As a hybrid owner, my car makes extensive use of something similar to stop/start, and I don't mind it at all. But, I do agree with you; that should be something that should be up to the driver.
I'd be interested to see this compared to a Lexus RX 350 L when you get your hands on one of those. There seems to be some pricing overlap between the top end of the Buick and the lower end of the Lexus, and they're both three-row, transverse-engined, FWD-based high-end crossovers.
Not sure if people even notice but I do not like the side mirrors mounted on the doors. More and more car manufacturers have started doing this lately. I prefer them on the A pillars.
Why are acceleration times specified nowadays with so many people merging or going at a green light with their Eco driving habit of taking 20 or so second to reach the speed limit!
apl175 The Regal TourX is cool for a wagon and nicely priced at $29,999. MT just tested it and it is faster and better handling than a Kia Stinger 2.0T RWD.
I wonder what Alex thinks of the seats now? He gave it a 7 two years ago saying he cannot go higher because it lacks massage seats. However, the massage seats are standard on all 2020 Buick Enclave Premium and Avenir models. Nice review but I guess it is falling out of date already. Wasn't the 9 speed not quite in-house, but a joint venture between GM and Ford, or is that only the 10 speed? Anyone know?
I always wondered why the american crossovers and minivans have separate mention and controls about tow mode and trailer sway assist/stability control. Does that mean that the Japanese and Koreans with realtime AWD don't have these features?
Alex, just on top of your head. What would you recommend for a three-row SUV with main considerations in the order of Capability, reliability, Cargo space under 50K?
The old enclave looked more athletic up front, this looks kinda frumpy from that angle. Also, I wish they’d just make fog lights standard on the GM full size crossovers
Alex - You like the Volvo XC60 & 90 for comparison, but I have eliminated them because of the distraction-intense climate system now only accessed on-screen AND the lack of a plush "grandpa" ride. Enclave fits the bill.
On the one hand, Buick is the most reliable American auto with longer basic warranty. On the other, its price make it in a funny market location. Its a direct rivial of Acura and Infinity. Is it really luxury, reliable and well-designed enough to kick their assess ? I doubt it.
Alex one of the few glaring omissions in your otherwise excellent reviews is the failure to comment on start systems and whether they can be disabled as well as how they function particularly in stop and go local traffic. GM is a notable offender in that none of its new models can be disabled which makes their vehicles complete non starters for me. Unobtrusive is the way marketers describe ruining a driving experience. Nonetheless i would love to have you rate them directly as they are proliferating like lawn weeds and your take is always great. Thanks for what you do.
Why don’t all manufacturers realize that families prefer additional seating over alternate seating in 3 row crossovers. Didn’t take Toyota too long to realize this and update the Highlander. Just shows that they care about consumer feedback.
bitkahuna Funny that the Envision Prem ll with Driver Confidence package offers adaptive cruise, rain sensing wipers, and heads up display. We really enjoy ours.
Alex, your rating system has become a lot less useful than it could be. How's it rate vs a mainstream brand like Mazda, which is also nice? What about vs a 2 row offering in the same class? What about a sedan? Would a Kia Sportage that gets your A's across the board get C's in the luxury class? How do we know? Yet some do compare it to lower end luxury brand offerings of the same size and performance (Lexus NX, Infiniti QX30, etc) How does one compare a top trim Mazda CX9's handling to that of a Momentum Volvo XC60? About the same price, and except for a small 3rd row very similar in concept. I believe you've given other Buicks or Lincolns 10's for the seats. Is this vs luxury cars or mainstream ones? Declaring ratings by "class" means those who cross shop types and classes have no idea what to think. Same goes for acceleration, handling, ride, noise, and cargo space. You give braking as an absolute number. I'd move everything to that. Example: With your system, how does one compare a wagon's utility vs an SUV? This is a fairly common cross-class shop. But is the wagon compared to sedans or crossovers? The fact is, most vehicles are 5's and 6's in most things, with only the very best soaring to 9's and 10's as they stand out. Usually this means luxury class, but not always. Is it that you're loathe to give out 5 and 6's to mainstream cars for fear of manufacturer backlash?
Bruno TaTa he compares cars but not directly through his system because guess what if you show brand bias, as a reviewer you won't get loaners from several companies. Subaru wrx fan now Matt moran Motoring, couldn't get a dealer car from someone who wasn't ford, subaru or Chevy because of his user name. If you compare everything by a rating system it's eventually going to reflect your opinion and not data. Just use your brain/ judgment. If something is a's and b's across the board, then it's gonna be a great overall car. If there's one low mark then you take that into account for your own purchase. This isn't going to become a Doug score leader board where he gives a total at the end and compares it to competitors via a catagory. I think he does plenty with what he does and gives an unbiased opinion and gives a feature comparison and the benefits and negatives to owning the Car. And he compares cars in this segment and shows what's better or worse in which ways. Trying to compare this to a higher tier is pointless. If he says it is comparable, ex the Kia stinger then he will, if not then he won't mention it. Be happy with what you get and at the end of the day, go drive them and figure it out on your own.
The CX-9 AWD is on of the worse as it overloads and shots off during testing. It really is false testing to advertise it as such. TH-cam search "CX-9 diagonal incline" and watch everyone else complete the test, multiple times. You can also read Motor Trend longterm teem test of the CX-9 where they found the system was not engaging the rear wheels.
Non defeating start stop lost the sale for me. Never will buy one of these unless it's a hybrid that can still operate the a/c independently. Else, you pay all that money and enjoy warm air blowing on you 9 months out of the year for those living in the southwest. All this driver-torture just so GM can manipulate the fuel economy numbers and you as a driver save $5 year on gas. I'd go insane and break down to buy a 10 year old used civic and drive that daily instead.
happily driving japanese brand ....you go right ahead...says something...when we were kids japanese brand was all junk.....you dont know or care about history it sounds like.
The Mazda is a good value , but I'd still go for the Buick for its v6 engine and pleasant ride. I think the 227HP 4 cyl in the Mazda is under-powered and will have to work harder than the v6. You should mention the Buick has 83HP more with the same mpg.
Lewie, 310 fl lbs of torque in the 9 actually makes it feel like a diesel so only on paper does it seem under powered but in real world driving it feels like a V6. Too bad most consumers dismiss it right off the bat just because it has a 4cyl turbo engine and should have a V6...other manufacturers have a 4cyl engine too like the XC90 and Explorer 2.3 ecoboost and yet people buy them
Buick sales have been growing every year since 2008 with very few exceptions. It is now bigger than Cadillac in the USA in sales. Before bankruptcy, it was smaller.
Not really, although that thought for obvious reasons comes to mind. Ever since the re-imaging of Buick started around 2008, the average age of the buyer at Buick has dropped. It was an ancient 61 when the first Enclave was launched. Now it is 48 I believe, which is competitive with Lexus now - its target (which it hits sometimes, other times misses).
Buick sells more than Acura, should Acura go away? Thr average Buock new car buyer is down to 57 years old, 56 for Lexus, with a total average of new car buyer at 54. They really just are average in ownership age.
I agree. I want a really quiet vehicle and was expecting it to be extremely quiet from all the hype. The avenir was quieter than the mdx, qx60 or xc90, but it wasn’t as quiet as the q7. I wish you could get smaller wheels in the avenir.
wasabi9111 so it was quieter than all but one vehicle that you mentioned but you agreed that it wasn’t all that quiet. Seems more quiet than most of the the competition based on your statement.
Craig D it was quiet, but from all the marketing hype from Buick, I expected it to be extremely quiet like the q7 or x5. It was better than the other cars I’ve mentioned, but those are disappointingly loud for luxury cars. I think it is pretty much on par with my 2017 Pacifica - maybe the enclave had slightly less wind noise. I was hoping it to be much quieter, especially for a car that’s almost $60k fully loaded in order to get all the safety features.
Test drives don’t always tell the whole story. How was the tire pressure ? Surfaces you were driving over? Did it have the adaptive suspension ? GM also tends to put crap tires on their cars from the factory. My Malibu came with continentals and they are quite loud.
Having driven a hybrid for five years that is essentially auto stop/start (uses battery power when stopped, engine kicks in when accelerating from a stop light), I’m accustomed to that. It’s not as bad as it seems.
Im trying to decide between leasing a Ascent by Subaru or the Buick Enclave Avnier but I like the way the Ascent will automatically stop if your going to rearend someone.I don't think the Buick has that just flashing lights and vibration.Which 2019 model is best to lease?
The discounting will have you in a Enclave Avenir for low $40's. It is a much bigger car than the smaller Ascent with CVT tranmission. If this gives you any indicator of Subaru quality: www.ascentforums.com/forums/subaru-ascent-complaints-issues-and-problems.137/
It is better looking. Unfortunately, the ratings are now confusing. You state that the seats are better than the average SUV, but not quite as good as the true luxury brands, so it gets a 7. Does that mean it is better than the mainstream brands and worse than Luxury brands, or it is behind the mid-range SUVs (not Luxury) that rank higher with an 8 or 9 in the front seats?
Considering how this doesn't even have four way lumbar support or an extending thigh cushion which the new Ascent, Highlander, and Sorento offer, I would say it's below luxury and maybe average mainstream.
Right, I understand that. I don't understand the 7. For example, the mid-class CX-9 gets an 8 for the front seats. He says he has to deduct a few points because they are not quite as adjustable as other entries in the mid-range SUV class. Then he says that these have the same problem (not adjustable), and ranks them a point lower than the Mazda CX-9. But when comparing the CX-9 vs. the Enclave, he says the CX-9 is smaller than the Buick - so how does it rank higher in front seat comfort? Honest question. Just check his review on the Mazda CX-9 - you will find what I did.
I was loving it, untik you said there's no button to turn off the auto stop start. I will *never* purchase a vehicle that does not have a button to turn it off. Gm just get's stupider and stupider.
I've repeated this on a ton of comments like this. There _ARE_ 2 different ways to turn it off; one is through the myBuick app, and the other is shifting into L and choosing option 9. IMO, people need to read the car manual and be well-aquainted with the care before putting reviews out there. There is a husband/wife video that is almost perfect reviewing the Avenir trim model. The only thing they didn't show was the trailer hitch and the fact that the rearview mirror camera has a spray nozzle for inclement weather.
Used to be a Poor Mans Caddillac, like the Oldsmobile.. And we just Put $3k in ours every 40k miles in Brakes and Tires, etc.. over 165k mi on ours now and its like new..
Traded in for a 2018 Enclave and after 4 months I couldn't be more pleased with the vehicle. Getting fantastic fuel economy and the ride is amazing. Great job Buick!
Do you still enjoy your SUV?
Wow. Easily one of the best, most-comprehensive car reviews I've watched. Well done, and thank you.
This is my 3rd Enclave, 2014, 16 & 18; I have the Avenir now and very pleased with handling and power.
The Avenir is the ticket! Best looking version.
Never thought Buick was a consideration but after test driving a Cadillac XT5, I am converted. The Enclave 1SN AWD drove so much better with all the features that the Cadillac has. It is currently on my top 3 to consider when my lease end happens soon. Buick should be proud, the Enclave is on same list as the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery.
This new Enclave is amazing and way more beautiful than the competitors. Nice video.
I'm LOVING my new to me 2018 Buick Enclave. I previously had a 2017 Buick Encore.
Drove the CX9 and it drives like a sports car and that is not what I want in an SUV. I want a luxury soft ride and wanted to thank Buick for that.
This Guy does a Great Job Evaluating Cars.... !
While I'm not in the market for a vehicle of this type and am not a big fan of GM products, this is hands down the best looking crossover on the market. While it looks very good in photos, it is absolutely stunning to look at in person.
Well done, GM.
My very first Buick SUV! Terrific video bro.
I agree Alex. Not only the best looking crossover they ever made, but one of the better looking crossovers out there IMO. Its not overdone, or underdone. Its elegant without being overwhelming.
Outstanding - the best auto review portal. So thank you.
Excellent review. Just bought a 2021 Enclave. Although this was a 2018 review, you confirmed some of my initial impressions.
I really appreciate your reviews Alex!!! This Buick.... Not a nameplate I'd ever consider before, ticks most of my wants the way you presented! Thanks and great review 👍
In a 235/55R22 tire, the 235 is the tread width in mm. The 55 is the percentage of 235 to get your sidewall height (235 x .55 = 129.25). That gives you a 129.25mm sidewall height (~5 inches). And the 22 is your wheel diameter in inches. R means radial.
Another excellent review. You are definitely the go to channel for quality car reviews.
Thank you for doing the comparison at the end. It was between the mdx and enclave so comparing those two really helped my decision.
If you wouldn’t mind me asking, which did you choose? My parents had the same two on their list and chose the Buick.
That was a perfect video. Very talented and well educated person. Great knowledge. Thank you for the video. Helped a lot.
Still an good vehicle for me to drive one day.
Awesome job with your videos anyway dude.
Buick got this right. I was considering the Volvo....but this vehicle is just about as nice but quite a bit less expensive. WIN.
It looks loads better than the previous version. The front end reminds me a bit of the CX-9 with the chrome trailing into the headlights.
I usually am not a fan of Buick. That said, they did an outstanding job. They nailed a niche in this segment by being, powerful, roomy, and tech heavy. The MDX was my number one but the lack of any tech gives nod to the enclave.
Yamamoto napad
Well it’s not exactly luxury
I have to agree with you on that :)
@@ethancrumrine310 Both MDX and Enclave are more near luxury. At $50K they seem fitting.
Aviation gamer rblx - its same as Acura...
needs a HUD -lights in glove and console. Have mine 2 months. Drives great-super smooth - comfortable. shifter takes 10 seconds to master.
We like the HUD in our 2017 Acadia Limited and 2016 Envision. Once you have it it is difficult to do without.
whats you impressions a year later, any reliability issues, thanks
10 seconds?!?!?! It took me .5 seconds to master. It gives a diagram right on the thing!!!!
And you can deactivate the engine stop by putting the shift in low gear and paddle shift the gears to 9th gear in the display in the lower right hand corner. The transmission will shift through the gears the same as if it were in drive.
Well done. Thank you for your thorough review.
Great review Alex. Thank you!
I like the all your comments thanks so much .
Jesus Christ! 21MPG!!! That’s about the same mileage as a Kia Sportage SX Turbo!! Looks like I have to add this to my shopping list. Thanks Alex!
You should make a video describing where brands land as far a mainstream, premium and luxury classes.
Great, detailed review.
Good review as usual. I see previous gen everywhere and I believe this gen will do just as well if not better; I’d get one. I like the exterior and interior design and features. I do wish a 2nd row bench was available on this SUV, as I like its design language better than the Chevy Traverse in which you can get 2nd row bench but on on lower trim level.
I love this Buick!! Sexy Beast!! ...it is weird to say that lol. I wish you had driven the higher trim level, but it's a great review as always.
Thanks for the info, I like the part you compare to other cars and I definitely agree with you most of the part. Really good info. Thanks
There are a few companies that are making a defeat for the auto start/stop. I’m looking at getting an Enclave. If I do, I know a company that makes a wiring harness that cuts the signal off for the auto start/stop, and it can be removed without a hitch. Just plug and play.
It’s a fantastic SUV for the price, besides that the Enclave is much more beautiful than the Acura, QX 60 and CX-9. Nice video.
But that Jag F-Pace... 👩🏾🍳😚
I test drove those acura MDX and I just never like the way they all ran. The top end version feels super heavy and sluggish when you give it throttle in the MDX. And then low tier model is just slow and cramped in the 3rd row seat. I just never like the look of the 2018 line-up model of the MDX. It just look funky and disproportion. I hate feeling cramped inside the cabin and not a whole lot of room throughout the interior. The bodystyle is just not for me. I found my holy grail suv in the 2018 Traverse AWD LT. It's got a much nicer looking interior, very very roomy throughout the interior. The featured layout is all in the right place and looks very premium. There's just nothing that looks cheap or out of place when I look at it. The driving experience feels very comfy. It's got more HP than all the rest of the other competitor in the 2018 segment. Cargo space is pleasantly more than any of the other competitor. The bodystyle just looks great overall from every angle. Sporty and sleek is how I see it when I look at the Traverse.
I don’t understand GM’s logic with safety and driver features. Most every manufacturer is going with Adaptive cruise as standard or optional on all trims. Why do I have to spend 50k plus to get they safety tech I feel should be standard or optional at this point?
Jonathan Jackson Most of those system do not work consistently or else the insurance industry would be giving us a break on our premiums. Check out Motor Trend longterm review of CX-5 that brings them to a dead stop in traffic and almost rear ended.
Many youtube videos of Corolla and Highlander with emergency breaking not work and thrm hitting the test object.
Norm T, you are missing the point. All safety systems tell you this technology doesn’t take away from your driver responsibilities and just states it may help prevent them from happening
well, because adaptive cruise is not a safety feature
王昱 I said Safety and Driver features
Because not everyone wants all the safety tech? I mean I would prefer it but again there are people that just wants a CD player and no safety nannies
Waiting for you to do a review on the Buick regal tour x alex. Am a wagon lover.
Great review, interesting for me to see a car from a brand which will never come to my country. Tough audience. When I read the comments, a lot of people don't like this car, whereas I'm really impressed. Even the fit and finish looked very good, something American cars are not always ...ahem..noted for. Not being able to disengage stop/start is a huge mistake. If people want to lose a little fuel economy for the sake of convenience, then they should have that choice.
As a hybrid owner, my car makes extensive use of something similar to stop/start, and I don't mind it at all. But, I do agree with you; that should be something that should be up to the driver.
@@JBM425 For a hybrid, stop/start is perfect because it has an electric motor to do it.
It can be disengaged choosing 9 in the lower gear option and on the my Buick phone application.
@@yourerightimwrong4567 I'm glad someone read the manual. Lol.
@@JBM425 I agree. I think on a hybrid with an electric drive, auto stop/start is a no-brainer.
I'd be interested to see this compared to a Lexus RX 350 L when you get your hands on one of those. There seems to be some pricing overlap between the top end of the Buick and the lower end of the Lexus, and they're both three-row, transverse-engined, FWD-based high-end crossovers.
Good review as always Alex. But I see this as a mid-size SUV, not a crossover. Someone change my mind! ;)
Not sure if people even notice but I do not like the side mirrors mounted on the doors. More and more car manufacturers have started doing this lately. I prefer them on the A pillars.
I think that's so they can turn in when parked.
Why are acceleration times specified nowadays with so many people merging or going at a green light with their Eco driving habit of taking 20 or so second to reach the speed limit!
Thanks Alex great review!
Love your reviews will you doing a review on the 2018 Traverse
How does this compare to the traverse?
Tempted to get their new Sport wagon thing, and rebadge as an Opel or Vauxhall so that people realize I'm under 40 years old.
apl175 The Regal TourX is cool for a wagon and nicely priced at $29,999. MT just tested it and it is faster and better handling than a Kia Stinger 2.0T RWD.
Now the TourX is down to around $23K with discounts.
Bro, I’m getting an Envision and just wearing it like a badge of honor.
Like your videos as they're very thorough. Have one request, can you please state in each one where the particular vehicle is manufactured?
Why does that matter?
Because people not wanting to support other countries is a thing...as well as American cars being easier to fix on your own.
Please review the 2021 Enclave Avenir model.
That rear windshield wiper is driving my ocd crazy
Can someone tell me why this is a 'Crossover' and not a SUV?????
BTW, great review as always Alex and great looking and performing.......vehicle!!
Thinking about getting this one in used here in 2021. Would I be happy with?
I wonder what Alex thinks of the seats now? He gave it a 7 two years ago saying he cannot go higher because it lacks massage seats. However, the massage seats are standard on all 2020 Buick Enclave Premium and Avenir models. Nice review but I guess it is falling out of date already. Wasn't the 9 speed not quite in-house, but a joint venture between GM and Ford, or is that only the 10 speed? Anyone know?
Are you considering reviewing the new ford expedition and the new Lincoln Navigator
I always wondered why the american crossovers and minivans have separate mention and controls about tow mode and trailer sway assist/stability control. Does that mean that the Japanese and Koreans with realtime AWD don't have these features?
The tow mode when equipped with a towing package changes the shift points and keeps the transmission in a higher gear.
@@normt5463 Tow mode keeps the transmission in lower gears. It also activates sway control.
Easily my favorite of the current Buicks.
Alex, how would this compare with your Dodge Durango?
Alex, just on top of your head. What would you recommend for a three-row SUV with main considerations in the order of Capability, reliability, Cargo space under 50K?
When will you review the traverse I’ve been waiting since this video came out
maybe i should get this to replace the QX60 i got now
Did you end up replacing your QX60? What did/do you not like about it?
The old enclave looked more athletic up front, this looks kinda frumpy from that angle. Also, I wish they’d just make fog lights standard on the GM full size crossovers
Autos Fan I like the old one better too overall.
old one not bad outside but the interior looked a thousand years old lol
I'm somewhat seeing the kodo design in the front end
Alex - You like the Volvo XC60 & 90 for comparison, but I have eliminated them because of the distraction-intense climate system now only accessed on-screen AND the lack of a plush "grandpa" ride. Enclave fits the bill.
On the one hand, Buick is the most reliable American auto with longer basic warranty. On the other, its price make it in a funny market location. Its a direct rivial of Acura and Infinity. Is it really luxury, reliable and well-designed enough to kick their assess ? I doubt it.
would you recommend this Buick Enclave or a Chevrolet Traverse? Which one is better?
Enclave is best in segment according to Consumer Reports.
Review the 2018 traverse
Alex one of the few glaring omissions in your otherwise excellent reviews is the failure to comment on start systems and whether they can be disabled as well as how they function particularly in stop and go local traffic. GM is a notable offender in that none of its new models can be disabled which makes their vehicles complete non starters for me. Unobtrusive is the way marketers describe ruining a driving experience. Nonetheless i would love to have you rate them directly as they are proliferating like lawn weeds and your take is always great. Thanks for what you do.
wu lu 11:32! U can’t be this stupid, blind or deaf! Jesus!
To borrow a phrase, "It's in there!" (the video, that is)
myBuick phone application allows for disabling of this feature...
Alex, why don't you get into the trunk anymore and close the liftgate?
tire series/ratio isn't related to wheel size, only tire width
I can't believe he said that...
Why don’t all manufacturers realize that families prefer additional seating over alternate seating in 3 row crossovers. Didn’t take Toyota too long to realize this and update the Highlander. Just shows that they care about consumer feedback.
Have you reviewed Ford and Chevy trucks yet?
great video!
Does this one have ambient lighting?
Lei Wang buy some from ebay for like $10
Yes, they provide a Led Flash Light In the Glove Box
No cutoff switch for stop start-terrible.
No lane keep assist? No stop for padestrian?
That is the driver's job!
Why they make it where you can't turn off start stop feature? That is so annoying.
very nice
How to pair my phone
myBuick app and then the VIN number...or do you mean Bluetooth?
Looking good but how reliable are these GM vehicles.
I had a lambda platform 2010 outlook. Just traded in for a 2019 Traverse. No issue in all those years. Only one headlight moisture issue.
Buick has very high predicted reliability
why no rain sensing wipers offered, even on avenir trim!?
bitkahuna Funny that the Envision Prem ll with Driver Confidence package offers adaptive cruise, rain sensing wipers, and heads up display. We really enjoy ours.
Because rain sensing wipers generally suck, and they are the object of a lot of complaints from consumers.
HALWG51 I will never buy another vehicle without them and Luddites always complain about change
Can't turn off the auto start/stop? HARD PASS
First of all, I didn’t even notice it until someone told me about it. I was even driving the car. But, the 2019+ models have an off button for it.
The my Buick phone app and choosing 9 in the lower gear allows you to turn it off. Wish these reviewers would read the manual back to front...
@ 19:55 Did he say 3 wheel crossover? I see 4 wheels.
Well the third wheel auto starts and stops.
Alex, your rating system has become a lot less useful than it could be. How's it rate vs a mainstream brand like Mazda, which is also nice? What about vs a 2 row offering in the same class? What about a sedan? Would a Kia Sportage that gets your A's across the board get C's in the luxury class? How do we know? Yet some do compare it to lower end luxury brand offerings of the same size and performance (Lexus NX, Infiniti QX30, etc) How does one compare a top trim Mazda CX9's handling to that of a Momentum Volvo XC60? About the same price, and except for a small 3rd row very similar in concept.
I believe you've given other Buicks or Lincolns 10's for the seats. Is this vs luxury cars or mainstream ones?
Declaring ratings by "class" means those who cross shop types and classes have no idea what to think.
Same goes for acceleration, handling, ride, noise, and cargo space. You give braking as an absolute number. I'd move everything to that.
Example: With your system, how does one compare a wagon's utility vs an SUV? This is a fairly common cross-class shop. But is the wagon compared to sedans or crossovers?
The fact is, most vehicles are 5's and 6's in most things, with only the very best soaring to 9's and 10's as they stand out. Usually this means luxury class, but not always. Is it that you're loathe to give out 5 and 6's to mainstream cars for fear of manufacturer backlash?
Bruno TaTa you can get adjustable they support on a Ford edge for 40k
I think the CX-9 slays this thing in every way except interior room.
Bruno TaTa he compares cars but not directly through his system because guess what if you show brand bias, as a reviewer you won't get loaners from several companies. Subaru wrx fan now Matt moran Motoring, couldn't get a dealer car from someone who wasn't ford, subaru or Chevy because of his user name. If you compare everything by a rating system it's eventually going to reflect your opinion and not data.
Just use your brain/ judgment. If something is a's and b's across the board, then it's gonna be a great overall car. If there's one low mark then you take that into account for your own purchase. This isn't going to become a Doug score leader board where he gives a total at the end and compares it to competitors via a catagory. I think he does plenty with what he does and gives an unbiased opinion and gives a feature comparison and the benefits and negatives to owning the Car. And he compares cars in this segment and shows what's better or worse in which ways. Trying to compare this to a higher tier is pointless. If he says it is comparable, ex the Kia stinger then he will, if not then he won't mention it.
Be happy with what you get and at the end of the day, go drive them and figure it out on your own.
The CX-9 AWD is on of the worse as it overloads and shots off during testing. It really is false testing to advertise it as such. TH-cam search "CX-9 diagonal incline" and watch everyone else complete the test, multiple times. You can also read Motor Trend longterm teem test of the CX-9 where they found the system was not engaging the rear wheels.
Why don't you just go and test drive each of them?
How does it compare with Chevy
Non defeating start stop lost the sale for me. Never will buy one of these unless it's a hybrid that can still operate the a/c independently. Else, you pay all that money and enjoy warm air blowing on you 9 months out of the year for those living in the southwest. All this driver-torture just so GM can manipulate the fuel economy numbers and you as a driver save $5 year on gas. I'd go insane and break down to buy a 10 year old used civic and drive that daily instead.
happily driving japanese brand ....you go right ahead...says something...when we were kids japanese brand was all junk.....you dont know or care about history it sounds like.
It *CAN* be deactivated...
Thank you
The Mazda is a good value , but I'd still go for the Buick for its v6 engine and pleasant ride. I think the 227HP 4 cyl in the Mazda is under-powered and will have to work harder than the v6. You should mention the Buick has 83HP more with the same mpg.
Lewie, 310 fl lbs of torque in the 9 actually makes it feel like a diesel so only on paper does it seem under powered but in real world driving it feels like a V6. Too bad most consumers dismiss it right off the bat just because it has a 4cyl turbo engine and should have a V6...other manufacturers have a 4cyl engine too like the XC90 and Explorer 2.3 ecoboost and yet people buy them
Hi Alex, thanks for the reviews. Would you choose Buick enclave or dodge durance R/T? I
Since He gets a Free Car to drive 52 wks a Yr? I wouldn't choose any, would U? I miss my Free Company Lease Cars I used to get now in Retirement..
I don't understand how Buick is still in business. China sales are keeping this company afloat.
Buick sales have been growing every year since 2008 with very few exceptions. It is now bigger than Cadillac in the USA in sales. Before bankruptcy, it was smaller.
Sam S it makes sense. Every day 10000 people turn 60 years old in the USA maybe that has something to do with it 😂
lmao
Not really, although that thought for obvious reasons comes to mind. Ever since the re-imaging of Buick started around 2008, the average age of the buyer at Buick has dropped. It was an ancient 61 when the first Enclave was launched. Now it is 48 I believe, which is competitive with Lexus now - its target (which it hits sometimes, other times misses).
Buick sells more than Acura, should Acura go away? Thr average Buock new car buyer is down to 57 years old, 56 for Lexus, with a total average of new car buyer at 54. They really just are average in ownership age.
when i test drove one, i didn't feel it was that quiet or the ride that great and i was driving an avenir
That's what 20 inch rims does.
I agree. I want a really quiet vehicle and was expecting it to be extremely quiet from all the hype. The avenir was quieter than the mdx, qx60 or xc90, but it wasn’t as quiet as the q7. I wish you could get smaller wheels in the avenir.
wasabi9111 so it was quieter than all but one vehicle that you mentioned but you agreed that it wasn’t all that quiet. Seems more quiet than most of the the competition based on your statement.
Craig D it was quiet, but from all the marketing hype from Buick, I expected it to be extremely quiet like the q7 or x5. It was better than the other cars I’ve mentioned, but those are disappointingly loud for luxury cars. I think it is pretty much on par with my 2017 Pacifica - maybe the enclave had slightly less wind noise. I was hoping it to be much quieter, especially for a car that’s almost $60k fully loaded in order to get all the safety features.
Test drives don’t always tell the whole story. How was the tire pressure ? Surfaces you were driving over? Did it have the adaptive suspension ? GM also tends to put crap tires on their cars from the factory. My Malibu came with continentals and they are quite loud.
I would not even consider any car which does not allow disabling of the auto-start/stop.
Having driven a hybrid for five years that is essentially auto stop/start (uses battery power when stopped, engine kicks in when accelerating from a stop light), I’m accustomed to that. It’s not as bad as it seems.
Wrong. Womp-womp.
I'm curious why the Durango isn't used as a comparison?
Because the Durango has much less passenger and cargo space so it's not comparable to the Enclave in size.
Im starting to realize that if I ever have to drive a modern automatic vehicle, I would not be able to figure out how to get it into reverse.
It's a conspiracy to desensitize us to manual transmission, up and over.
Im trying to decide between leasing a Ascent by Subaru or the Buick Enclave Avnier but I like the way the Ascent will automatically stop if your going to rearend someone.I don't think the Buick has that just flashing lights and vibration.Which 2019 model is best to lease?
The discounting will have you in a Enclave Avenir for low $40's. It is a much bigger car than the smaller Ascent with CVT tranmission.
If this gives you any indicator of Subaru quality:
www.ascentforums.com/forums/subaru-ascent-complaints-issues-and-problems.137/
looks better than the Acadia and traverse, but that's not saying much...
I bought the Mazda. Brilliant car.
Different class as this is huge in comparison.
why do some apple car play systems have those annoying boxes around all the skip buttons and the pause play button
It is better looking. Unfortunately, the ratings are now confusing. You state that the seats are better than the average SUV, but not quite as good as the true luxury brands, so it gets a 7. Does that mean it is better than the mainstream brands and worse than Luxury brands, or it is behind the mid-range SUVs (not Luxury) that rank higher with an 8 or 9 in the front seats?
Considering how this doesn't even have four way lumbar support or an extending thigh cushion which the new Ascent, Highlander, and Sorento offer, I would say it's below luxury and maybe average mainstream.
Right, I understand that. I don't understand the 7. For example, the mid-class CX-9 gets an 8 for the front seats. He says he has to deduct a few points because they are not quite as adjustable as other entries in the mid-range SUV class. Then he says that these have the same problem (not adjustable), and ranks them a point lower than the Mazda CX-9. But when comparing the CX-9 vs. the Enclave, he says the CX-9 is smaller than the Buick - so how does it rank higher in front seat comfort? Honest question. Just check his review on the Mazda CX-9 - you will find what I did.
I was loving it, untik you said there's no button to turn off the auto stop start. I will *never* purchase a vehicle that does not have a button to turn it off. Gm just get's stupider and stupider.
2019 version gives you an option to disable auto start stop
@@thenagdafamily5289 No, it doesn't.
It is quite seamless.
I've repeated this on a ton of comments like this. There _ARE_ 2 different ways to turn it off; one is through the myBuick app, and the other is shifting into L and choosing option 9. IMO, people need to read the car manual and be well-aquainted with the care before putting reviews out there. There is a husband/wife video that is almost perfect reviewing the Avenir trim model. The only thing they didn't show was the trailer hitch and the fact that the rearview mirror camera has a spray nozzle for inclement weather.
wow Buick is a luxury brand??!! I learned something new today lol
Buick is usually referred to as either "Premium" or "near-luxury" so one step below Audi, BMW, etc.
Used to be a Poor Mans Caddillac, like the Oldsmobile.. And we just Put $3k in ours every 40k miles in Brakes and Tires, etc.. over 165k mi on ours now and its like new..